Köstritzer Schwarzbier | Köstritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei GmbH & Co.

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Classic German black lager from brewery that has been here since 1543.
German Purity Laws. Simple and easy-drinking, nothing heavy: think toasted malts with lingering mouthfeel reflecting simple balances. Perfect with a good sandwich. ABV 4.8%

Kostritzer is black. Light black, if that makes any sense, with a matte finish. While sitting under the light it shows off some faint garnet highlights along the edges of the glass. The mocha head is ultimately creamy and jumps to two fingers in height on a gentle pour. The foam eventually fades to a crown but never disappears and leaves behind handsome peak & valley lacing.

The nose on this beer is where it's at. A soft, approachable roast gets it going. Brown bread and faint licorice pop up in the middle. Mild hazelnut. This fresh can produces a nice, solid earthy hop profile that tends to fade with the older examples. The nose fades to only roast but a quick swirl of the glass really opens it back up.

The flavor doesn't quite have the depth that the nose seems to but it is still delicious. Those gently roasted malts get things started and push all the way through to the finish with a soft sweetness. That hazelnut runs through the middle again while the brown bread and faint licorice round it all out and add some complexity. There's a complimentary earthy hoppiness that lingers long after the swallow. This beer is as clean as it gets and very well rounded.

Kostritzer is made to be drank, and drank a lot, so the mouthfeel and consistency are very important. A moderate weight with lively carbonation keeps this beer moving quick. The bubbles leave behind some tingle along with the mildest of bitterness. A half liter of this can disappear awfully fast. Incredibly easy to drink.

Kostritzer is one hell of a beer. One I have been especially fond of since I was a wee lad. It's well rounded with a nice layering of flavors and it's incredibly easy to drink and enjoy. The price point is also hard to beat. Kostritzer has it all.